League Championship Bolton Pulls Out Of QuickQuid Deal After Fan Backlash

League Championship side Bolton Wanderers "have dropped plans to be sponsored by pay-day loan company QuickQuid after fans protested against the move," according to the BBC. The club said it had taken the decision after "feedback" from fans and discussions with "local and national politicians." A petition against the Championship club's two-year sponsorship deal "received almost 4,500 signatures." The pay-day loan industry was criticised by regulator the Office of Fair Trading for "widespread irresponsible lending" and charity Citizens Advice for being "out of control." The club will now be sponsored by Bolton-based energy company FibrLec (BBC, 6/5). A statement on the club's website read, "The club have taken on board feedback from our fan base and following discussions between chairman Phil Gartside and several local and national politicians, including the leader of Bolton council Cliff Morris, we will no longer be entering into a sponsorship agreement with QuickQuid" (Bolton).

CLEANER IMAGE: In Bolton, Mark Smith reported FibrLec is a new Bolton-based sustainable energy company "that specialises in commercialising the university’s innovative smart materials." Its logo, incorporating the university logo, "will feature on the club’s new match kit and training wear for the next two years." Councillor Christopher Peacock, who launched a petition to get the club to reconsider following the announcement, said, "I’m absolutely delighted with the news. I think first and foremost, it’s fantastic that Bolton Wanderers have taken this proactive step and they deserve credit" (BOLTON NEWS, 6/5).